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John Vliet Lindsay

November 24, 1921 – December 19, 2000

The leadership of John V. Lindsay, 103rd Mayor of New York City (1966-1973), kept this city calm during a time of social unrest, when other cities were beset with riots, by walking though troubled streets, adopting a policy of police restraint, and opening government power to minorities. Known as "America's Mayor," his many urban innovations included closing parks to traffic, incentive zoning, and air conditioning subways. Elected as a Republican and re-elected as a Liberal, he ran unsuccessfully for President in 1972. A Naval officer in World War II who saw action in the Pacific, Lindsay was elected from the 17th District to four terms in Congress (1958-65), where he was a leader in civil rights and liberties, and an early opponent of the Vietnam War. He, his wife Mary, and their four children lived here from 1955 to 1962.